Extreme trailer sway leads to crash - GIF

Extreme trailer sway leads to crash.

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Previously:

https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...906#post152741
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...738#post148031
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...659#post143520
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...907#post140572
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...2673#post96840

Here is a nice demonstration of what happens and how to avoid it - no explanation of why it happens this way.

https://youtu.be/fWd8ml9mFMo

The most common cause of sway are gusts of wind, or in this case, drafts from passing vehicles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mansworld

The most common cause of sway are gusts of wind, or in this case, drafts from passing vehicles.

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Also incorrect loading No.1, stupid driving No.2. I don't know why but many people commit crazy passing maneuvers and speed when towing a trailer. The same idiot mentality that makes people tailgate when it rains.

I note with interest that the vehicle taking the footage didn't stop to see if they could help with anything.
Not my problem Jack, pull up the ladder.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by old kodger

I note with interest that the vehicle taking the footage didn't stop to see if they could help with anything.
Not my problem Jack, pull up the ladder.

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Didn't stop, not even appearing to back off speed or veer one fraction in avoidance. The swerving truck didn't have much time to react, no evidence of brake lights or effort to slow and lessen fishtailing. It seems just a load of wood; I'll bet it's a tilt trailer, takes planning to get tongue weight. Uniform full length items will balance behind the axle, sway included free.
I've only had one load act up, a 36" Moak Bandsaw, it must be over 8' tall, giant 5hp direct drive, table removed to ship, whole frame is cast iron. Estimating the center of gravity (to right side of axles) wasn't enough. Soon after entering highway, she started acting up. So, broke down the ratchet straps, and used them to pull load farther forward, with a tape measure to judge height of hitch.
Needed more than a foot to get it right.
Rest of the drive uneventful.

This was a case of driver incompetance, he tried to steer out of the problem instead of simply slowing down. The tow vehicle was plenty heavy enough for the load.